catbert

Hello and apologize for this naive question: how hard is it to replace the valve cover gaskets? Just returned from the dealer after an oil change. The technician recommended 'to replace valve cover gaskets (leaking oil) cost for parts and labor $783.60; due to oil leak the engine drive belt to be replaced $92.50.' The tech said the parts were about $200, while the labor was about 6 hours. I am clueless on cars, nonetheless shocked by the price sticker. On Youtube, a guy demonstrated replacing the valve cover gaskets on another model of car in literally 3 minutes, while the cost of an OEM valve cover gaskets being somewhere $15 more or less. Having that said, the real question is: does the design of Fusion made it more involved for this job? Mine is a 2007 Fusion V6 SEL AWD, with 50,000 miles on it. Is the above estimate reasonable? Sure I don't want to risk my car to the hands of unqualified technician, but does it worth the effort to shop around? Upon a rouge (untrained of course) visual inspection, no stains were found. Therefore I assume the 'leak' might be 'minor'. A second question, will it be safe to postpone this repair? If so, by how long before it compromise the safety and integraty of the car? Thank you for your thoughts and input.